MHG56050 - Bowl barrow - Urchany, Kilmorack
Summary
A large earthwork, originally thought to be a henge but with a central mound, at Urchany, Kilmorack. It is now thought to be a rare (for the Highlands) bowl barrow with an external bank and ditch.
Type and Period (1)
- BOWL BARROW (Bronze Age - 2400 BC? to 551 BC?)
Protected Status
Full Description
A large earthwork, possibly a henge, at Urchany, Kilmorack. It consists of a central mound, flat topped and about 7m diameter at the base, surrounded by a horseshoe shaped ridge of about 20m diameter. The mound and ridge are joined at the apex of the horseshoe by a connecting ridge or "causeway". The causeway and the apex of the horseshoe are on the west side of the mound. The horseshoe is open to the east. There are a few cup marked stones nearby, as well as cottage ruins and enclosures of the last few centuries. At 1 - 1.5km distance to the east there are hut circles and a dun. It was recorded by NOSAS. <1>
A site visit by K Cameron of the Highland Council was undertaken with members of NOSAS in June 2013, during which additional photographs were taken. <2>
The site was subject to topographical survey by members of NoSAS in July 2013. <3>
It is now thought to be a rare (for the Highlands) bowl barrow with and external bank and ditch. It was Scheduled by Historic Scotland on 10/10/2014. <4>
The North of Scotland Archaeological Society (NoSAS) undertook an archaeological survey of Urchany in 2015.
Site V157; Bronze Age Bowl Barrow. This 30m diameter structure was identified as an archaeological feature for the first time in November 2012 by the author. Although it is close to dwellings, and although it must have been acknowledged as an ancient feature by many people over centuries, it had not previously been identified in the archaeological record. It does however seem to be represented on a 1797 estate map, where a domed structure with drawn boundary is labelled “Burying Ground”. After its “discovery” by the author (Spencer- Jones, R), it was subsequently scheduled (SM13523) in December 2014. <5>
Sources/Archives (5)
- <1> SHG25831 Text/Correspondence: Munro, A.. 2013. Email from A Munro regarding mound at Urchany. North of Scotland Archaeology Society (NOSAS). Yes. Digital.
- <2> SHG25832 Personal communication: Cameron, K.. 2013. Pers Comm K Cameron re: possible henge at Urchany. Highland Council.
- <3> SHG25852 Image/Drawing/Plan: North of Scotland Archaeological Society. 2013. Earthwork at Urchany. North of Scotland Archaeological Society (NoSAS). Yes. Digital.
- <4> SHG25766 Text/Designation Notification/Scheduled Monument: Historic Scotland. 2014. Notification of Scheduled Monument: Urchany, barrow 595m SW of. Historic Scotland. 30/10/2014. Digital.
- <5> SHG28596 Text/Report/Fieldwork Report: Spencer-Jones, R.. 2020. A NoSAS Survey of the Lands of Urchany: A Multi-period Settlement on the Braes West of Beauly: 6th-10th April 2015. North of Scotland Archaeological Society. Digital. p.68,69 Site V157, figures 198-204.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred NH 4426 4550 (28m by 28m) (2 map features) |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | NH44NW |
| Civil Parish | KILMORACK |
| Geographical Area | INVERNESS |
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Investigations/Events (1)
External Links (2)
- http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/SM13523 (Online designation description (Historic Environment Scotland))
- https://canmore.org.uk/site/345775/urchany (Link to online HES Canmore record)
Comments and Feedback
Do you have any more information about this record? Please feel free to comment with information and photographs, or ask any questions, using the "Disqus" tool below. Comments are moderated, and we aim to respond/publish as soon as possible.